Islanders open homes to St Barts festival musicians

The Saint-Barthélemy Music Festival kicked off on Friday, January 5, with dancers from the Paris Opera, and will run until January 21.

For 34 years, Frances de Broff has brought music to the island of St Barts every January. Over the years, classical jazz concerts and dance performances have been added.

Seven members of the Paris Opera presented a free dance show last Friday and Saturday in Gustavia.

Eight concerts of different classical styles are also on the program, and will be held in the Lorient and Gustavia churches. “For me, the most important thing is to have high-end music, which I like. It does not interest me to hear mediocre things,” Festival Co-founder and President De Broff, told the local Journal de Saint-Barth.

Compared to other musical events, the St Barts festival is unique for the sixty artists who take part. “They usually go to Paris or New York, and play what they are told to play. Here, I ask them what they would like to interpret, and with whom.

“Many of the musicians have paid for their tickets themselves, or refused to be paid because they know we have had a difficult year. And many islanders have generously opened their homes.”

In addition to its cultural side, the festival incorporates an educational element: musicians will visit every school on the island, with a show especially designed for youth on Wednesday, January 17.

For a complete schedule and information about the musicians, visit the website.